They are usually pre-school children who were born with a defect in the development of their ears (ears), with varying degrees of affectation on one or both sides.
There are many techniques used. Currently the most accepted is the use of autologous costal cartilage (cartilage of 1-2 ribs of the same patient), to reconstruct the affected ear and that does not have reaction to a foreign body (compatible); This guarantees the result for life.
The use of prosthetic material is another option, however, it gives an artificial appearance and the patient does not integrate it psychologically as part of his body. There are ears devices that are placed under the skin of the ear region. Through this method aesthetically pleasing ears are achieved, but the risk of rejection and / or future infection is an inconvenience.
It is necessary that the child reaches a thoracic maturity so that it does not deform which usually occurs between 9-11 years of age. Usually, hearing is compensated by healthy ear, and the opening of the ear canal is not indicated when it is closed.
Usually 2 to 3 surgeries are required. Elapsing 3 to 6 months between one and other.
It is focused to take care of the reconstructed area and to a general care of the wound of its thorax. Instructions will be given for cleaning at home and special care that will take from 3 to 4 weeks.
It is important to emphasize that the ear is constructed not only with a single surgery, but with 2 to 3 surgeries of different magnitudes, but the ear obtained will last for the rest of its life, since it is manufactured with the patient’s own tissues, without risk of rejection reactions. It is medically impossible to achieve 100% symmetry with a healthy ear, but the appearance will improve considerably and the child will regain confidence in himself.
Plastic surgeon, aesthetic and reconstructive
Professional license: 4078621
Certificate of specialty: 8536540
